In reporting incidents of vehicle collisions or vehicles leaving the road, this newspaper often includes statements in the report blaming the incident on driving conditions such as wet pavement. These statements are misleading. To be sure, road surfaces can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken by vehicle operators. But, if road conditions could actually be “blamed” for incidents of injury or property damage, then all drivers under those conditions would have the same unfortunate experience.
What makes the difference between arriving safely or not is the direct result of decisions made by vehicle operators. Safe driving decisions such as buckling up, reducing speed when encountering poor road conditions (or staying off the road), avoiding distracting activities when behind the wheel, using headlights for better visibility (for you and other drivers), replacing tires with unsafe tread depth, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles are a positive step in protecting life and property.
In other words, responsibility for the safety of yourself and your passengers falls on you, the operator.
Gordon Webb
Hannibal
